[Contrast sensitivity after laser in situ keratomileusis for myopia (LASIK-M)].

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effect of laser in situ keratomileusis for the correction of moderate myopia (LASIK) on contrast sensitivity values.

METHODS

Seventeen eyes of 10 patients underwent LASIK to correct myopia ranging from 7.75 to -4.75 D (mean +/- SD, -6.53 +/- 0.99 D). Contrast sensitivity was tested preoperatively and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively using the CVS -1000 contrast sensitivity test (Vector Vision).

RESULTS

Contrast sensitivity decreased in the first postoperative month, the decrease was significant for 6 dg and 12 c/g (P -0.006 and P=0.005, respectively). At 3 months it returned to preoperative values although it was not statistically significant (P>0.05). There was an improvement at 6 months at spatial frequencies of 3 c/g and 6 c/g and at 12 months the improvement was for 3, 6 and 18 c/g, although the changes were not significant.

CONCLUSION

Although LASIK decreased contrast sensitivity values at one month after surgery, these values returned to the preoperative levels at 3 months. The improvement at certain frequencies at 6 and 12 months suggests that LASIK can improve the quality of vision in eyes with low to moderate myopia.